Tourist's Obligations in the Russian Federation
Tips for Americans and Canadians Visiting Russia
Mar 16, 2009
Russia is wonderful place to be. From the glamour of Moscow’s boutiques, posh restaurants and luxurious hotels, to the breath-taking wilderness of eastern Siberia, Russia is spread across two continents and is currently the world’s biggest country. Many passionate travelers are fascinated by the juxtaposition of natural and civilization extremes for which Russia is so well-known. Before setting off for the journey, make sure you know everything about Russian laws relating to tourists.
Tourist’s Obligations in Russia
Foreign tourists in Russia are, relatively, safe. There are several immigration policies established by the government of the Russian Federation which make it easy for tourists to register themselves in receiving hotels and secure valuable belongings.
- American as well as Canadian citizens are required to apply for visas in their countries. For more information on entry requirements, consult the home page of Russian embassy adequate to your current country of residence;
- Customs declaration – you are obliged to declare all valuable items you are bringing into the territory of Russia, the airplane crew will inform you about the sum of money you are allowed to take inside Russia without declaring;
- Migration card – the migration card is, often times, issued on the plane right before landing. It is also issued in trains. If not, custom officers will give you one. It’s printed in both Russian and in English and relates to basic personal data;
- Registration – most hotels will ask for your passport and register you in the nearest registration service. If you are planning a private visit, the person who invited you will have to register you in person in his or her local Federal Immigration Service. This procedure should be finished before the end of the third day of your stay in Russia. Registration is compulsory – police controls are frequent and foreigners who don’t abide by this law can be fined and, in extreme cases, even arrested;
- Tourists should always have valid documents with themselves. Photocopies of documents, even though can work with some officers, are not officially allowed. Russian militia officers have the right to ask for valid documents which include passport with visa, registration card and migration card.
For more tips on safety including communication, interacting and dining read Is it Safe to Travel in Russia?
Tourist’s obligations in Russia are purely formal and they all relate to common safety. Foreigners visiting Russia are welcome to sightsee cities and facilities of their choice, use public transport and take pictures – in some museums a special photographing permission must be bought for around 4$.
For more information on Russia, see Vacation in Russia - Travel Tips, Formalities, and Communication
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